Lasting Legacy of John Wooden: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of John Wooden continue to shape the world today.

John Wooden, nicknamed "the Wizard of Westwood," was a highly successful American basketball coach and player, most notably known for his tenure as head coach for the UCLA Bruins. He led UCLA to win ten NCAA national championships over a 12-year period, including a record seven consecutive titles. Wooden's teams also achieved a record 88-game winning streak. He received the Henry Iba Award as national coach of the year a record seven times and won the Associated Press award five times, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greatest coaches.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1960: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction as Player

In 1960, John Wooden was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player.

1973: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction as Coach

In 1973, John Wooden was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach, becoming the first person to be inducted as both a player and a coach.

1976: Golden Plate Award

In 1976, John Wooden received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, recognizing his contributions to sports and society.

1977: Creation of the John R. Wooden Award

Since 1977, the John R. Wooden Award has been the most coveted college basketball player-of-the-year award, considered the equivalent of football's Heisman Trophy, presented at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

1981: Wooden's Trust and Crookedness

In 1981, Wooden said he chose to trust his players rather than distrust them, even concerning Sam Gilbert. Wooden referenced Abraham Lincoln by saying that he would rather trust and be disappointed than distrust and be miserable all the time. He admitted that maybe he trusted too much.

1986: Outstanding Alumnus Award

In 1986, John Wooden was honored as an Outstanding Alumnus of the School of Liberal Arts at Purdue University, the first year the award was given.

1998: Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award Created

In 1998, the Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award was created to be given to a former player or coach who exemplifies character, leadership and faith. This Award is presented at the Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast.

2000: Lombardi Award of Excellence

In 2000, John Wooden received the "Lombardi Award of Excellence" from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, recognizing his embodiment of Coach Lombardi's spirit.

2001: Publication of 'Be Quick—But Don't Hurry!'

In 2001, Andy Hill co-authored the book 'Be Quick—But Don't Hurry! Finding Success in the Teachings of a Lifetime' with John Wooden. The book details the application of Wooden's coaching style to the business world.

July 23, 2003: Presidential Medal of Freedom

On July 23, 2003, John Wooden was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, presented by President George W. Bush.

2003: Steve Lavin Fired from UCLA

In 2003, Steve Lavin was fired from UCLA. Following this, he said, "The mythology and pathology of UCLA basketball isn't going to change" due to Wooden's legacy and believes that every basketball coach will eventually be fired or forced out from UCLA.

2003: Dedication of Nell & John Wooden Court at UCLA

In 2003, UCLA dedicated the basketball court in Pauley Pavilion in honor of John and Nell Wooden, naming it the "Nell & John Wooden Court."

May 17, 2004: Ambassador Award of Excellence

On May 17, 2004, John Wooden was awarded the Ambassador Award of Excellence by the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission at the Riviera Country Club, recognizing his role in promoting sports and entertainment in Los Angeles.

2005: High School Renamed in Wooden's Honor

In 2005, a high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District was renamed to John R. Wooden High School to honor his legacy.

November 17, 2006: National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

On November 17, 2006, John Wooden was recognized as a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame for his impact on college basketball.

2006: Coach John Wooden Post Office

In 2006, on John Wooden's 96th birthday, a post office in Reseda, California was renamed the Coach John Wooden Post Office.

November 8, 2008: Indiana State Names Court

On November 8, 2008, Indiana State officially named the floor at the Hulman Center The Nellie and John Wooden Court in honor of the legendary coach and his late wife, Nellie. The ceremony included taped comments from Coach Wooden and the participation of members of his 1946–47 and 1947–48 teams.

2009: Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame Induction

In 2009, John Wooden was inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference Athletics Hall of Fame in St. Louis, recognized for his lifetime achievements in basketball. He was the ninth honouree in the Missouri Valley Conference's Lifetime Achievement category.

2009: Greatest Coach of All Time

In 2009, John Wooden was named The Sporting News "Greatest Coach of All Time", recognizing his unparalleled success and impact on college basketball.

2009: John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award Established

In 2009, the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership at California State University, Long Beach established the John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award, with Wooden being the inaugural recipient.

June 2010: Death of John Wooden

In June 2010, following his death, all UCLA sports teams wore a patch or helmet sticker with the initials "JRW" inside a black pyramid for the remainder of the basketball season, in honor of his philosophy.

July 2010: Street Named After Wooden at Purdue

In July 2010, John Wooden's alma mater, Purdue University, named a street on campus after him to honor his legacy and contributions.

October 14, 2010: John Wooden Day Celebration at UCLA

On October 14, 2010, UCLA held a "John Wooden Day Celebration" to honor Wooden's 100th birthday and his contributions to the university.

October 26, 2012: Bronze Statue Dedication

On October 26, 2012, a bronze statue of John Wooden by sculptor Blair Buswell was dedicated at the newly renovated Pauley Pavilion, honoring his legacy at UCLA.

2012: Exhibition of Wooden's Legacy

In 2012, Wooden's Legacy, a public artwork statue by Jeffrey Rouse, was exhibited in Indianapolis, Indiana, commemorating his contributions to basketball and leadership.

2017: Jabbar Writes 'Coach Wooden and Me'

In 2017, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor) authored the book 'Coach Wooden and Me', which chronicles the long-standing friendship between Jabbar and Coach Wooden.

2019: Men's basketball team continues to wear memorial patch

As of 2019, the UCLA men's basketball team continues to wear the patch with the initials "JRW", though not in black, in honor of John Wooden.

February 2024: First Class Forever Postage Stamp

In February 2024, the United States Postal Service honored John Wooden with a first class forever postage stamp, unveiled at UCLA with former students such as Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Jamaal Wilkes reminiscing on Wooden's accomplishments.